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November 10, 2024
your weekly newsletter of events & issues
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You are welcome here.
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OUR MISSION:
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For every individual searching for spiritual meaning, Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship provides a welcoming and caring religious community dedicated to diversity of thought, social and environmental justice, and peace for all.
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Your donations help us build a loving and just community.
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Coming up: Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 10:30am
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Faith and Imagination: Creating Our Lives
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Join us this Sunday, November 17th, for a unique Unitarian Universalist service. Rev. Jim McConnell will bring a message titled "Faith and Imagination: Creating Our Lives." He will explore how imagination serves as an essential organ of the mind for shaping the lives we wish to live and may even lead us towards the truth of our existence. Additionally, BUUFers will share poetry, reflections on Indigenous peoples healing practices and transgender awareness. Emilee Avink will kindle our Chalice, Mike Bradley will extend our Welcoming Words, and Rachel Reed will present an engaging Story for All Ages. Plus, Beth La Fleur will have more great music.
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Come be part of this inspiring service, either in person or on Zoom.
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To join BUUF’s Sunday Service via Zoom, please click this link; Meeting ID: 973 1741 4085; Password: 354882. If you have trouble getting connected please contact Beth LaFleur (269-932-8598). To minimize background noise, please mute yourself unless you are speaking. Please leave your camera on; we love knowing you are there. We use the same Zoom link every Sunday.
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We are taking care of the septic system at BUUF. Please do not use the water until further notice.
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Lest We Forget
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Gloria Weberg will be speaking TONIGHT, Tuesday, November 12, 6:30pm
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at the Stevensville Village Hall on St. Joseph Avenue in downtown Stevensville (across from Watermark brewery)
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UPDATE: Potluck to be rescheduled due to building maintenance.
Zoom meeting tomorrow.
The Social Justice Committee
will meet this month on Wednesday, November 13th on Zoom at 7:00pm
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December 8 will be a mostly music holiday service.
If you can play or sing, please see me.
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Beth La Fleur, Music Director
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League of Women Voters
Berrien Cass Counties
Bridgman Public Library
Thursday, November 14 at 6pm
How the Change in Administrations Will Affect Foreign Policy
Ambassador (ret.) John R. Nay, adjunct professor Andrews University and LMC
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Money given to the collection basket on November 17
will go to Caring Committee fund.
Thank you for your generosity so that we can help fellow BUUFers when they need it.
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Upcoming Service
with Dr. Ryan Sensenig:
Exploring Spiritual Sustenance in Grassland Ecology
On November 24th, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ryan Sensenig, a distinguished biologist and ecologist, to our Unitarian Universalist service.
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Currently a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Sensenig has dedicated his career to understanding and preserving grassland ecosystems. His work reaches across continents, from the savanna grasslands of Kenya to the tallgrass prairies of Indiana, weaving together ecological research and teaching with a profound commitment to environmental stewardship.Dr. Sensenig’s research is both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in his personal spiritual values. By studying how essential disturbances like fire and grazing impact plant composition and soil health, he seeks to understand and protect the dynamics of these fragile ecosystems. Notably, his work sheds light on the crucial role grasslands play in carbon sequestration—grasslands alone store 30% of the world’s soil organic carbon. His current research explores how fire and grazing affect belowground carbon storage, soil microbes, and root systems, working toward practical solutions to support the environment in a time of climate crisis.Dr. Sensenig’s dedication extends beyond research. At his farm, which is mostly off the grid, he lives out his ecological principles, blending personal practice with professional purpose.Join us on Sunday, November 24th, as Dr. Sensenig shares how his work sustains him spiritually. Through his talk, we’ll gain insight into how the act of nurturing and studying nature offers its own form of spiritual renewal and commitment. We look forward to this inspiring service and the chance to reflect on our own connections with the earth.
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Available to subscribers.
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Spoken or unspoken, we hold you in our hearts.
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"Peace of Wild Things"
poem by Wendell Berry
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When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
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Happy November Birthdays!
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Drum Circle
- Last Sunday of each month from 12:30-1:30 in the BUUF Sanctuary
- All are welcome to join. Feel free to bring your own drum, or share what we have.
All over the age of 8 are welcome to attend and participate.
- There is a $5.00 donation requested to build a drumming fund for special events.
Euchre, Anyone?
- Thursdays at 3:30–5:30pm in various BUUFers' homes
- You do not need to know how to play. Contact Leanne Thomas, BUUF Office Admin, office@berrienuu.org or 407-488-4057
Men's Group
- Second Thursday of the month at 7:00pm at BUUF
- If you have any questions, please contact Nico Rojas at lucificador@gmail.com
New Moon Women's Circle
- 6:15—9:00pm on or around the new moon each month at various locations
- Contact Lisa Fuller lmfuller0116@gmail.com to be added to our email list.
Salvation Army Soup Kitchen in Benton Harbor
- First Saturday of the month from 9:00am–1:00pm
- 233 Michigan St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- Feel free to come for all or part of this opportunity to help. Contact Leanne Thomas office@berrienuu.org for more info.
Social Justice Committee
- Second Wednesday of the month from 7:00–8:00pm
- We meet via Zoom, and occasionally in person.
For more information, contact Brett Maccani or Laurie Myers ljm1960@att.net.
Small Group Ministry
- First Monday of the month at 6:30pm at BUUF
- The curriculum is always heart and mind opening. This is a friendly way to get to know other interesting BUUFers—as well as yourself! For details contact our DRE Rachel Reed dre@berrienuu.org
Writing Group
- Second and Fourth Mondays at Noon at BUUF
- Bring your lunch, notebook, and favorite pen. Contact Patrice Grant at astilbe531@gmail.com or Leanne Thomas office@berrienuu.org for next meeting date. Janice Zerfas is also a leader.
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Call for Volunteers
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There are many ways at BUUF to connect with other BUUFers and serve the fellowship. Scan this list of Volunteer opportunities to find one that fits your interests and skill set. There's truly something for everyone at BUUF.
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For help with any of this, please contact
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Leanne Thomas, BUUF Office Admin,
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Would you like a copy of our Members & Friends directory including our leadership roster? Just let me know.
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BUUF Caring Committee Do you need a call or a card, some food or funds? Application forms for the caring fund are available in Fuller Fellowship Hall behind the visitor's table. Many requests for support can be fulfilled simply by reaching out.
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BUUF on the World Wide Web
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Did you know BUUF has a hearty online presence? BUUF members are invited to visit and become familiar with BUUF's website, facebook page, private facebook group and YouTube channel. These platforms provide information about BUUF governance, upcoming events, discussion of various topics and an opportunity to view previous services and messages.
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Being familiar with these online locations will help you participate more fully in BUUF activities and share information with others who might appreciate our BUUF community.
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For information about upcoming events, visit, like, and follow BUUF on Facebook at
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Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship • 4340 Lincoln Ave, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085
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